The new technique inhibits beta-secretase, an enzyme which is now known to be a main cause of senile brain decay. A report in the journal Science described how researchers in Dresden in Germany used an 'anchor' to lodge the inhibitor in mice brains and prevent them succumbing to a mouse version of Alzheimer's.

Advertisement

The research was conducted at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics. Lodging the inhibitor in the cell membrane 'enormously' increased its beneficial effects, the report said.

Kai Simons, a former director of the institute, said the method was a breakthrough in Alzheimer's research, but warned against exaggerated hopes, saying it would take at least 10 years to develop a suitable therapy using the method. – (Sapa)

April 2008

Read more:
Alzheimer's is hereditary
Brain size affects memory loss
 

Print this article on

Rate this article Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent

JOBS

Senior Secretary Gauteng - North/Sandton Infrastructure Resource Gauteng - Johannesburg Management Accountant R450,000-500,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Financial Manager R350,000-400,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Financial and Project Accountant R300,000-360,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Financial Accountant R380,000-420,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg SSIS Business Intelligence Specialists (SSIS; SSAS) R350,000-500,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - North/Sandton Financial Accountant R350,000-450,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - South Find more jobs Register your CV Post a job